Custom mandolin finish?

[otis66]

I’m having a Bliven A5 Mandolin made for myself
Which finish would be better...

Nitrocellulose Lacquer or Tru-oil

[MontanaMatt]

Be prepared for strong opinions on both.
I have one varnish and one lacquer, and I love them both. That’s my strong opinion

[sunburst]

Whatever your builder prefers to work with will most likely be the best finish.

[Skip Kelley]

Whatever your builder prefers to work with will most likely be the best finish.

This is solid advice.

[mandolinstew]

I once got an almost perfect finish with varnish.It only took me six months.I am not a builder.

[otis66]

I decided to go with a Nitro finish.
I’m on the list. I should have my mandolin before Christmas.

[John Soper]

John Hamlett's advice is best - with an appropriately thin finish, it's not going to make a hill o' sonic beans difference in the tone or volume of your mandolin. I've had and loved both.